Penn State University Files Lawsuit Against State College Spikes Over Lease Dispute

Penn State University has initiated legal action against the State College Spikes, a minor league baseball team, seeking to evict them from Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. The lawsuit, filed on March 3, 2026, claims that the Spikes failed to properly renew their lease, which expired on September 30, 2025. The university alleges that the team owes over $1.7 million in termination rent and other unpaid expenses.

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The Spikes have operated at Medlar Field since 2006 under a lease agreement that included options for two 10-year renewals. The first renewal was exercised, extending the lease through September 30, 2025. However, Penn State contends that the Spikes did not provide the required 180 days' written notice to exercise the second renewal option by the April 3, 2025 deadline, leading to the expiration of the lease.

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Following the expiration of the lease, Penn State posted a Notice to Quit at the stadium on October 1, 2025, directing the Spikes to vacate within 30 days. When the team did not leave, the university filed a landlord-tenant complaint in December 2025, which resulted in a ruling in favor of Penn State by District Judge Casey McClain in February 2026. The Spikes subsequently appealed this decision, prompting the current lawsuit in the Centre County Court of Common Pleas.

WJAC - NBC 6Penn State Sues to Evict Spikes From Medlar FieldCentre Daily Times

In addition to seeking possession of the ballpark, the lawsuit outlines claims for declaratory judgment, use and occupancy fees, and breach of contract. Penn State asserts that the Spikes are now “at most, a tenant at sufferance” without a legal right to remain at the stadium.

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The Spikes have strongly contested the allegations, asserting that there is "zero merit" to the lawsuit. They claim that Penn State is engaged in a "calculated effort to drive the State College Spikes out of business." The team emphasizes its historical role in the creation and funding of Medlar Field, highlighting significant public investment in the facility, including a $20 million grant for renovations in 2021 and 2022.

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In their statement, the Spikes expressed their commitment to defending their position, stating, “The Spikes will defend themselves, not only for their own sake, but also for the sake of everyone who has loved and supported the Spikes for two decades.” They also announced plans for their 20th anniversary season at Medlar Field.

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As the legal proceedings continue, no judge has been assigned to the case, and no hearings have been scheduled. Both parties are preparing to litigate the dispute over the future of Medlar Field and the Spikes' continued presence there, with the team maintaining its operational schedule amid the ongoing legal challenges.

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• “There is zero merit to Penn State’s lawsuit or its allegations.” — State College Spikes

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• “The Spikes are the reason Medlar Field at Lubrano Park was built, funded by Commonwealth taxpayers and the Spikes themselves,” — State College Spikes

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• “Despite the ongoing legal action, Penn State continues to be willing to work with the Spikes organization to explore a new facility usage agreement to keep the Spikes in State College.” — Penn State Spokesperson

Penn State Sues to Evict Spikes From Medlar Field

• “On March 3rd, the University filed a baseless lawsuit after its attempt to bulldoze the Spikes failed.” — State College Spikes

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